After living in Barcelona for a while, you often feel the need to escape the city’s hustle and bustle for a weekend. Fortunately, the Catalonia region is full of charming towns worth visiting, just an hour or two away by car or train, making them perfect for a two or three-day short getaway. Here are a few places I’ve visited that I hope will be helpful.
Girona
Girona is about 100 km from Barcelona and can be reached in just 38 minutes by the AVE high-speed train. The old town is exceptionally well-preserved, with colorful houses lining the Onyar River, making it incredibly photogenic. Game of Thrones was filmed here, so there are now considerably more tourists than before; you might also be interested in Barcelona hiking options in the region. It’s best to avoid the summer peak season; spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit. Restaurants in the old town are cheaper than in Barcelona, and the quality of tapas is also excellent.
Sitges
This is my most frequently visited seaside town for day trips from Barcelona, about a 40-minute ride from Barcelona on the R2 South train line. Compared to the beaches in Barcelona, the water quality here is significantly better and the sand is cleaner, making it one of the best towns near Barcelona for a beach day. The town has a very relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of art galleries and boutiques. The Carnival in February is especially lively; it’s great fun if you happen to be there at that time. It can get quite crowded on summer weekends, so it’s advisable to go on a weekday or arrive early to secure a good spot.
Tarragona
Tarragona boasts well-preserved ancient Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and an aqueduct, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts. The city is not large, and you can cover the main attractions in a single day. The paella here is very authentic and more affordable than in Barcelona. It’s about an hour’s train ride from Sants station; buying a round-trip ticket is usually cheaper.
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Best Season |
|---|
| Girona | 100km | 38 mins | Spring/Autumn |
| Sitges | 40km | 40 mins | All year |
| Tarragona | 100km | 1 hour | Spring/Summer |
Of course, Catalonia has many other lesser-known places to explore, like Vic inland or Cadaqués on the coast. However, these places are less accessible by public transport and are better suited for a road trip or a longer weekend of three to four days. I’ll write about my experiences there separately when I get the chance.
There are plenty of options around Barcelona, so you don’t have to spend every weekend in the city. Just check the train schedules in advance, pack some sunscreen and a camera, and you can head out right after work on Friday. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions or other recommendations.
